Hi, I am new to the site and although I have had my 1st tort Charlie 9 years (and thought I was doing the best for him) I have come across the TPG and found afew issues! I am in the process of building a secure enclosure outdoors to house my tort ( I was told they must be kept indoor and warm) so he's only been outdoor occasionally in very warm weather. Also in the 9 years I've had him he has never hibernated (I was told they don't need to) this advice now I realise was wrong & feel bad for the past 9 years :( would it do more bad than good starting to hibernate ? As at the moment this is not a natural behaviour? I'm very nervous of the whole hibernation process and wouldn't know where to start
Thanks Sam

Hello Sam,
Re. our previous chat, now on the Forum "General Questions"
yes abnormal. Re. pathogens, no prob with Brit. bred torts. Yes hibernate them. Follow the TPG hib. advice meticulously. As you are "nervous," start with 3 months.
Regards
Tom

Thank you for your advice Tom , it's been a big help! I just feel cruel for the past 9 years of having Charlie but I thought I was doing the best by him :(
Hears to a better and exciting many more years for him

A pleasure Charlie.
Best wishes
Tom